Russia v Czech Republic: How it happened

Euronews

The Russian team got off to a flying start with their 4-1 victory over the Czech Republic. The opening goal after just 15 minutes was started and finished by Alan Dzagoev.

He began by passing to Konstantin Zyryanov, just inside the box, who then flicked it across goal for Alexandre Kerzhakov’s header which met the woodwork. That set the ball up nicely for Dzagoev who had moved into the box to take a shot on goal.

Just nine minutes later, the Russians extended their lead, showing the cracks in the Czech defence. Arshavin passed the ball forward to Roman Shirokov for a tidy shot on target that sailed past the Chelsea keeper for 2-0.

Václav Pilař‘s goal early in the second half gave the Czechs some hope, narrowing the score to 2-1. But as the match came to a close the Russians were relentless, Dzagoev scoring for the second time in the 79th minute, followed just three minutes later by Roman Pavlyuchenko.

The former Tottenham forward toyed with the Czech defence moving left and right until taking a shot on goal with surgical precision, and ending any hopes the Czech Republic might have had.

The other Group A game between Greece and Poland ended with a 1-1 draw, so this result gives Russia a comfortable two point lead after the first game. The next match for Russia will be against Poland on June 12.